Hyderabad: Former minister and BRS leader T Harish Rao has strongly condemned the Congress government, blaming it for the recent deaths of farmers at grain procurement centres. He called the incidents “government murders,” accusing the administration of gross negligence.
Rao pointed fingers directly at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala, holding them accountable for the tragic deaths. He said the government failed to supply irrigation water, set up proper procurement centres, provide weighing machines, and ensure quick payments to farmers.
He stressed that these failures have pushed farmers into deep distress. Promises made by the Agriculture Minister—like paying farmers within 48 hours—have not been kept, Rao claimed. “These are not accidental deaths. They are the result of a careless and uncaring government,” he said.
Rao also questioned the government’s priorities. He criticized the decision to celebrate events like “Rythu Mahotsavam” while farmers are dying due to poor management. He accused the Chief Minister of showing more interest in beauty contests than in solving farmers’ problems.
The BRS leader highlighted the government’s poor performance on paddy procurement. The Congress had promised to buy 70 lakh metric tons, but so far, only 24.43 lakh metric tons have been purchased. This grain is worth ₹5,664 crore, yet only ₹3,163 crore has been paid to farmers. Rao also pointed out that a bonus of ₹515.82 crore for 25 lakh metric tons of grain is still unpaid.
He further alleged a massive ₹3,500 crore cotton scam involving farmers, brokers, and officials from the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). Rao demanded a full investigation and justice for the affected farmers.
Rao urged the government to act immediately and stop ignoring the struggles of the farming community.
